Georgia sends $1.1 billion in exports to Columbia, Korea and Panama. Republicans and some business groups say, those exports stand to rise now that Congress has approved trade deals lowering tariffs on the nations. Georgia chemicals, machines and transportation equipment are among the items that could be the most boosted by lower tariffs. But some labor unions are skeptical.

US Senator Johnny Isakson says, he'll press Congress to fund a half-billion-dollar expansion project at the Port of Savannah. Congressional Republicans recently have been pledging to cut spending to shore up the deficit. Isakson says, there is money for the project, which state leaders see as critical to the economy

Flood insurance is once again available to Georgia homeowners. President Barack Obama has signed an extension of the National Flood Insurance Program. NFIP lapsed on May 31st, but Congress voted to make the extended coverage retroactive to avoid coverage gaps.

Georgia Senator Johnny Isakson says he plans not to vote for Elena Kagan’s nomination to the U.S. Supreme Court. In a written statement, Isakson said a qualified judge rules based on law and does not legislate through decisions, and that he does "not believe Ms. Kagan’s record has met this standard.”